Tanner Watkins, II, 39
February 18, 1986 – December 24, 2025
Wm Robert Tanner Watkins II, 39, of Tupelo, MS passed away on December 24, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice Unit after a complex battle with Spindle Cell Sarcoma. Born on February 18, 1986, in Philadelphia, MS to William Robert (Bear) and Betty Ann (Moore) Watkins. He was a devoted husband to Jamie Anne (Lamb) Watkins for 19 faithful years. He was a loving father to James and Henry Alan Watkins. Tanner was a man of many talents and passions. As an over-the-road truck driver, he loved the open road. He loved to travel and shared this passion with his wife and children. He loved to cook and create new recipes, and he was a master of the grill. He was also a firm believer in the Second Amendment. One of his greatest joys was making people smile. He had the best sense of humor that would lighten up every situation and every person he met. He loved the Lord and followed the Torah to the best of his ability. He enjoyed and thrived in biblical discussions and shared his faith openly, even while he was in hospice. But above all, he loved his family. Every decision and action he made was made with them in mind. Although he was gone quite a bit for work, he spent every moment at home making memories with his boys. His boys were the greatest blessing of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Jamie Watkins; his children, William Robert James Watkins III and Henry Alan Tanner Watkins; his parents, Bear and Betty Ann Watkins; his brother, Jason Kyle; and a multitude of cousins, uncles, nieces and nephew and many more.
A time of visitation only will be held Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo from 11:00am to 1:00pm. No formal service will follow. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to be serving their friends. Condolences may be posted on Tanner’s obituary page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/obits.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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